Junction box flush with drop ceiling. Ideas?

[joseywales]

Helping someone get their house prepped to sell. They have an enclosed porch, with a suspended ceiling. There's one junction box where, for some reason, they cut a circle in the ceiling tile and the junction box plate is flush with the ceiling. Gotta believe that'll get the inspector's attention.

After I find out what the deal is with the box, I want to resolve with a safe option, some options could be:

- Just replace the ceiling tile and see if protrudes much. Maybe it won't - but is it code to have that cover plating touching the insulation on the tile?

- Get creative. It's about 2 feet from a side wall, so maybe I figure a way to hang a light. Make it appear to be a reading light.

- Any other ideas?

 

[billconner]

What's it for? Just replace tile and fasten above ceiling?

 

[545_days]

Clearly a good location for a smoke detector.

 

[slow]

junction boxes need to be accessible, as long as the box is sealed, nothing in your description sounds like it is improper. Can you share a picture, or do you know what it goes to? (is that what you are trying to not bring attention to?
In my garage there is a junction box in the ceiling, accessible with a blank face plate, it combines the 3 coach lamp circuits into 1. it was put there when it was built and is not an issue.

 

[FMB4]

Junction boxes, with blank covers are allowed above a suspended ceiling as it is not considered a closed space. That said, the above comments should/could be your answer.

 

[555]

Unsightly yes, but the as long as it has a cover the inspector probably won't mention it. The realtor and any potential buyer will hate it. If it can be moved, I would relocate it above the suspended ceiling and replace the ceiling tile. If the ceiling tile will fit without a bulge you can cover it with the tile. It will still be accessible according to code. Once you find out what it is you can make a decision. The fire alarm idea sounded pretty good.

 

[joseywales]

Thanks. Fire alarm was our first thought.
good to know the box can contact the ceiling tile. I thought that was fine, but wanted to be sure.
The township Inspector just started in the position last week. The inspection should be a hoot.

 

[wssix99]

That's where the prior owner hung their disco ball. Maybe you should put it back?

 

[joseywales]

That's where the prior owner hung their disco ball. Maybe you should put it back?

Freakin perfect!!!!

 

[mikedodge]

Are you sure the junction box wasn't actually for a light at some point? Moving it over ceiling would Be the best choice.

 

[Walkers]

A disco ball would probably improve the property value.

 

[joseywales]

A disco ball would probably improve the property value.

So you do know the house.

 

[BillK]

The township Inspector just started in the position last week. The inspection should be a hoot.

Just curious why the township inspector even has to be involved unless work was done that required a permit ???

 

[Walkers]

So you do know the house.

I can neither confirm, nor deny…

 

[joseywales]

Just curious why the township inspector even has to be involved unless work was done that required a permit ???

I swear, you can't make this stuff up. They've had a guy cutting their grass for a while. On Saturday, he cuts the grass and says, "Good luck in your move. BTW, I'm the new township inspector. Your curb is 4' short and that block needs to be replaced." I'll probably start a new thread, once I have the result of this a$$hat's approach, but it stands to reason he'll look to be all up in their business. Si vis pacem, para bellum is my approach.